Market Participants Recognise Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V.'s (NYSE:KOF) Earnings

With a median price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of close to 18x in the United States, you could be forgiven for feeling indifferent about Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V.'s (NYSE:KOF) P/E ratio of 16.9x. Although, it's not wise to simply ignore the P/E without explanation as investors may be disregarding a distinct opportunity or a costly mistake.

Recent times have been pleasing for Coca-Cola FEMSA. de as its earnings have risen in spite of the market's earnings going into reverse. It might be that many expect the strong earnings performance to deteriorate like the rest, which has kept the P/E from rising. If not, then existing shareholders have reason to be feeling optimistic about the future direction of the share price.

Check out our latest analysis for Coca-Cola FEMSA. de

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What Are Growth Metrics Telling Us About The P/E?

In order to justify its P/E ratio, Coca-Cola FEMSA. de would need to produce growth that's similar to the market.

If we review the last year of earnings growth, the company posted a worthy increase of 4.8%. Pleasingly, EPS has also lifted 76% in aggregate from three years ago, partly thanks to the last 12 months of growth. So we can start by confirming that the company has done a great job of growing earnings over that time.

Looking ahead now, EPS is anticipated to climb by 11% each year during the coming three years according to the analysts following the company. That's shaping up to be similar to the 10% each year growth forecast for the broader market.

With this information, we can see why Coca-Cola FEMSA. de is trading at a fairly similar P/E to the market. Apparently shareholders are comfortable to simply hold on while the company is keeping a low profile.

What We Can Learn From Coca-Cola FEMSA. de's P/E?

While the price-to-earnings ratio shouldn't be the defining factor in whether you buy a stock or not, it's quite a capable barometer of earnings expectations.

We've established that Coca-Cola FEMSA. de maintains its moderate P/E off the back of its forecast growth being in line with the wider market, as expected. At this stage investors feel the potential for an improvement or deterioration in earnings isn't great enough to justify a high or low P/E ratio. Unless these conditions change, they will continue to support the share price at these levels.

The company's balance sheet is another key area for risk analysis. Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis for Coca-Cola FEMSA. de with six simple checks on some of these key factors.

If P/E ratios interest you, you may wish to see this free collection of other companies with strong earnings growth and low P/E ratios.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.